News

  • Home > News

        Open source pushes email to Windows Mobile devices

        Doug | Date: Feb 7, 2006 | Comments: 1



        Funambol has released what it claims is the first open source push email software for carriers and enterprises. The dual-licensed Funambol v3 server supports a wide range of mobile handhelds, including Windows Mobile devices, the RIM BlackBerry, SyncML-compliant phones, and "any" WAP-enabled phone, according to the company.




        Funambol says its push email software provides send, receive, and forward functions, and allows users to open attachments, check email on and offline, and accept or decline meeting requests. The package also provides "standard" over-the-air synchronization of calendars, to-do lists, contacts, and other PIM (personal information management) data, the company adds. Other touted features include support for Exchange, Domino, IMAP, and POP email servers; use of the mobile device's pre-loaded email client or a WAP browser; and end-to-end 128-bit SSL encryption.

        Funambol's push email package implements the Open Mobile Alliance Device Management/Device Synchronization (OMA DM/DS) standards, formerly known as SyncML. According to industry analyst data cited by Funabol, more than 75 percent of new mobile handsets sold worldwide support SyncML.

        Funambol CEO Fabrizio Capobianco stated, "Open source software and standards will accelerate mobile email deployments, increase revenue opportunities for carriers, and give enterprises more flexibility. We believe that mobile email will quickly become a commodity, so open source is the natural approach to this market place."

        Pricing and Availability

        The Funambol v3 server is dual-licensed software, which means it is available under both a commercial and an open-source license. The commercial version offers advantages such as additional features, broader platform support, intellectual property protections, commercial license terms, and support, according to the company.

        Additionally, the v3 server is offered in a choice of carrier and enterprise editions, and its components can be licensed separately, Funambol said.

        A beta version Funambol v3 can be downloaded for evaluation purposes, here.



        Related stories: